Wilkshire penned a one-year deal with the A-League Champions on Friday after spending a 20-year career abroad. 

The former Socceroo comes in as a direct replacement for the injured Rhyan Grant, who will miss the entire season due to ruptured ACL.

However, Arnold insists there are no concerns with Wilkshire's fitness after putting the Australian through a rigorous four-day medical. 

“I’ve never put a player through the type of strenuous physical testing I’ve had our fitness team put Luke through this week," Arnold said.

“We needed him to prove his fitness and at 35, he has shown he is in top physical condition.

“He has 80 caps for Australia and I believe he is a great acquisition and will be a fantastic signing for us at right back.

“I had a great working relationship with Luke in the national team and I look forward to doing so again.”

Wilkshire will not play in next week's FFA Cup Round of 32 match with Darwin Rovers, however, with the 35-year-old returning to Russia to finish up his move.